Scholke, substituting for attorney Grant Carlson of Iron Mountain, said Bennett is intelligent and can be a law-abiding citizen, but the only person in his way is himself.

He noted Bennett's criminal record and said he doesn't want to lead a life of poor decisions again.

Article Photos

Lisa M. Hoffmann/The Daily News PhotoPreston Bennett, left, of Iron Mountain was sentenced to a maximum of six years in prison for physically assaulting a woman with a baseball bat. At right is defense attorney Michael Scholke of Iron Mountain.

"His record is what it is and he's learning it's a course for his actions," Scholke said. "Actions such as this will not be tolerated."

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards said this was a disturbing case.

"He ordered the victim to sit in a chair and took the end of one of his crutches and a baseball bat and proceeded to question her about her alleged infidelity. When he didn't like her answers, he beat her with a baseball bat," Richards said. "He locked the door and threatened to continue the beating. Her friends called the police and Iron Mountain Police interrupted the beating."

Richards added the victim had the worst bruises she had ever seen on her eyes, arms, legs, sides and her bottom.

"The physical injuries healed, but the emotional and psychological scars are there for a lifetime," Richards said.

The victim addressed the court asking for the maximum sentence allowed under the limits of the law.

"I feel he will get out and do this to another woman," she said. "He has no respect for women."

Bennett said his heart goes out to the people affected by his bad decision.

Bennett was previously convicted of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substances in Stateville, Ill. on April 4, 2008 and manufacture/delivery of controlled substances in Cook County, Ill. on Nov. 13, 1997.

Judge Richard Celello also said the facts alleged in this case are disturbing.

"I can only imagine what she went through with you and on that day," he said.

Judge Celello sentenced Bennett to two years and four months to six years in prison with credit for 113 days served.